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Wireless Networks

What is a wireless network?

A wireless local area network (LAN) is a flexible data communications system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative to, a wired LAN. Using radio frequency technology, wireless LANs transmit and receive data over air waves. Wireless LANs combine broadband data connectivity with user mobility.

Who should use a wireless network?

A wireless LAN is the perfect solution for varying types of business including healthcare, retail, manufacturing and warehousing. However, wireless LAN technology particularly benefits the following scenarios:

• employees who need mobility within a building and need access to files stored on a network
• any business where cabling is not an option - for example listed buildings, leased or temporary space
• buildings that are in sight of each other where a wide area network would normally be used. Wireless LAN technology allows cost savings over wired LANs, by avoiding expensive trenches, leased lines and right-of-way issues

What are the restrictions?

As a technology that increases mobility there are few restrictions. However, the following should be taken into account when considering a wireless LAN solution:

• by Law, both ends of the connection must be owned by the customer
• to be able to connect two or more sites together, you must have a clear line of sight (i.e. no obstructing trees, buildings etc

Wireless networks are becoming increasingly common as the technology gains acceptance and the cost of hardware continues to fall.

WiFi ability for laptops allows access to the internet, while corporate networks can increase productivity, mobility and flexibility. Due to the proliferation of WiFi in home networks, it is now very much a user driven requirement for many corporate environments.

With the significant benefits that wireless technology provides, there are also important security and infrastructure requirements that need to be considered in the business environment.